Fig. 2

Automated picking of patient-derived iPSCs. A After reprogramming, the growth of iPSC colonies generated from primary dermal fibroblasts was monitored by using the Cell X platform to capture whole well scans each time the culture was fed. B–D Once the transformed iPSC colonies reached sufficient size, the Cell X platform’s robotic syringe pump was used to pick cells from areas selected by a user from the phase contrast montage of the donor well. The Cell X platform is capable of automatically mounting and removing disposable micropipette tips to maintain aseptic cell culture conditions. E–G the aspiration rates used to pick the iPSCs were optimized to find the lowest values of fluidic shear necessary to lift the cells. Given that the maximum shear stress occurs under the rim of the micropipette tip, cells are lifted from an annular region underneath this rim. H–J Overlapping pick points allow for picking of entire colonies without increasing the maximum applied fluidic shear